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Everything to do, eat, drink and play at Xscape Yorkshire
Bowling, VR experiences, escape rooms and so many foodie options.
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28th June 2022
Everything you could possibly want from a mate or date night, all under one roof.
Located less than half an hour from Leeds city centre you'll find one of Yorkshire's favourite hangout spots to eat-drink-play and everything in between.
Regardless of whether you're looking for an activity to fill a rainy day with the kids; a first or fiftieth date or just a treat that'll keep every single one of your mates entertained, when we say there's plenty to do here - we really do mean it.
There are plenty of choices to fill your day, including screen treats, bowling feats and loads of places for eats. Take your chances in the escape room and see if you can beat the clock or try a round of crazy golf before ending the day with cocktails- the combinations really are endless.
Catching a movie is a must at Cineworld. Grab the obligatory popcorn and unwind with the latest blockbuster movie or experience the world’s first multi-projection immersive cinema auditorium where the 270-degree viewing experience surrounds you in your seat!
Image: Xscape Yorkshire
For those looking for something different, the 4DX cinema is revolutionising the experience and brings special effects like wind, fog and scents into screen- and that’s before you've experienced the high-tech motion seats that truly immerse you in the movie.
If you fancy yourself as a bit of an escape artist, or just want the opportunity to test out your detective skills, The Escapologist is the perfect activity for all ages. Take on one of their four escape rooms and follow it up with one of their delicious mocktails or cocktails in the beautiful bar area – there is even Harry Potter potions for the kids.
Image: The Hoot Leeds / Xscape Yorkshire
There's also plenty of adventures for aspiring Tiger Woods': expect two types of crazy golf, try out 4D glow-in-the-dark Adventure Golf or travel back in time to the pre-historic age at Volcano Falls just watch out for the giant T-Rex.
If that's not enough, there's Gravity Aerial Adventures, Urban Climbing Walls and Trampoline Park; Laser Zone; Snozone; Tenpin Bowling; ImmotionVR and the FunStation games arcade.
Food and Drink offerings
There are some seriously exciting foodie options here too.
For the ultimate burger feast, look no further than Friday's Ultimate Cheese Dipper Burger, it's basically two beef burger patties piled high with a huge gooey offering of cheese, bacon and even some mozzarella sticks between three burger buns.
The Ultimate Cheese Dipper Burger from Fridays. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Those looking for the perfect sharing board to end an intimate evening will be drooling over the Ask Italian selection.
Expect cured meats alongside a selection of cheeses and a huge burrata for picking alongside other authentic Italian favourites like pizzas, pastas and salads aplenty.
Antipasti Sharing Board from Ask Italian / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Round off your meal with a dessert from sweet-tooth specialists, Heavenly Desserts.
Whilst Nutella and strawberry on pancakes is that classic sweet treat combo and the perfect end to the week, there's also cookie dough served with milk chocolate sauce and vanilla gelato or a full menu of signature waffles, cheesecake and crumble to choose from- all of which come highly recommended.
Chocolate Crepe from Heavenly Desserts. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
If these options aren't enough to satisfy your chosen company, there's still almost 20 different places to grab a bite to eat or drink away the evening at the likes of Bella Italia, Burger King, Dominos, Five Guys, Nando's, Pizza Express, Pollo to Go, Taco Bell and Wetherspoons.
How to get there
Xscape Yorkshire is in Castleford, less than half an hour from Leeds city centre, making it an accessible option for commuters to access day and night, and escape the bustle of the city centre with ease.
If you're driving, leave the M62 at Junction 32 and follow the Xscape signs, you can see the image for car parking spots highlighted in yellow with the overflow carpark highlighted in green.
Follow the dotted line to find parking. / Image: Xscape Yorkshire
At the main roundabout directly in front of the Centre take the 4th exit for our Main Car Park. Postcode WF10 4TA. Car parks highlighted in yellow (overflow green).
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
Leeds
Fences at Leeds Playhouse – walls, wounds and what we leave behind | Review
Leeds Playhouse delivers a powerful story about the walls we build.
August Wilson’s Fences is a powerful and deeply personal family drama, exploring race, fatherhood, ambition and the emotional scars that can be passed from one generation to the next.
At Leeds Playhouse, the strength of the production lies largely with its cast. Ray Fearon gives Troy Maxson a commanding presence, balancing humour and charm with a growing sense of anger and resentment. It is an uncomfortable performance at times, but one that keeps you invested in Troy even when his actions become increasingly difficult to accept.
Madeline Appiah brings real warmth and emotional depth to Rose, while Josh Tedeku captures Cory’s frustration as a young man determined to make his own way rather than inherit his father’s limitations.
Image: Supplied
For me, though, Act 2 is where the production really comes alive.
The first half feels comparatively restrained. That isn't necessarily a criticism of the performances or Wilson's writing, but having experienced previous Headlong productions, I went in expecting a little more theatrical imagination from the staging. There were moments where I felt the production could have pushed the material further visually.
Act 2 begins to deliver that.
The rotating set adds movement and energy, while the bright LED lighting works particularly well with the live music, creating a more heightened atmosphere as the family's tensions reach breaking point. The production suddenly feels more visually ambitious, and the design starts to work hand-in-hand with the emotional journey of the characters.
Images: Supplied
The fence itself is an effective recurring image, initially a practical task, but gradually becoming a representation of Troy's need for control, protection and separation. The more the story unfolds, the more the fence feels like a barrier between Troy and the people he loves.
There is a lot to admire here, particularly in the performances, and Wilson's writing remains as relevant and affecting as ever. However, I couldn't help feeling that some of the theatrical ambition found in Act 2 could have been introduced earlier.
Ultimately, Fences is a moving and thought-provoking evening, with a particularly strong second half. For me, it was Act 2 that turned a solid production into a genuinely memorable one.
Running until 23 September at Leeds Playhouse, get your tickets here.
A new açai cafe promising to be Leeds’ ‘neighbourhood social club’ is opening soon
Clementine Hall
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
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28th June 2022 
